Commission finds rights violation at Labasa Police Station

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Commission has found gross violations of human rights at the Labasa Police Station.

During a visit to the Police Station, the Commission found that four people were found locked up in the cells for more than 3 weeks without being brought before a court.

A Police officer who received the Commission alleges that the four are mentally challenged persons and they were being held there because Stress Management Unit at the Labasa Hospital did not have space.

However, when the Commission visited the Stress Management Unit there was only one patient admitted with 6 beds available.

A fifth person in the cell was arrested the previous night and had injuries to show which he alleges were sustained during arrest. He had not received any medical attention.

The Commission also found a 17 year old female held in an interview room and sleeping in an office with wires and other loose items that could be used to cause bodily harm.

A complaint was also been lodged about police brutality during arrest and investigation. It is alleged that a female accused was arrested by 5 men who physically beat her and rubbed chillies over her body.

In a statement, the Commission says that despite being informed of their visit, the receiving officer was rude and unwelcoming.

The Commission also witnessed a disabled person being served rudely by the officer serving when he came to enquire about an issue.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro says all complaints and issues brought to their attention will be investigated thoroughly adding they will look at the findings and see how they can improve.